Atomic Blonde (2017)

2.5

Atomic Blonde is one of those Cold War era spy thrillers that pits style over content you can actually care about. Neon lights shot through cigarette smoke during 80’s night at your local club. A collection of ‘cool’ shots, and one really good fight sequence, but behind the colorful vail there isn’t much there. This is a spy thriller as imagined through the drunken eyes of a lout, right before his dreams of slickly choreographed battle clash with reality and he ends up bloodied and beaten.

As delivered, this film sets up characters best remembered by their alcoholic drink of choice. From the get-go, we learn very little about these players as they scamper about the film’s simple plot. Charlize Theron equips herself admirably in the lead and is credible during the films brutal fight sequences, but is ultimately let down by a story that gives the audience nothing to root for. Since none of the characters in the show can be trusted, there’s nothing for an audience to connect with. You’re expecting anything and suspect everyone, so when the big twists come, you don’t care enough to be surprised.

Movie Prep:

Expect brutal well shot fight sequences and all your favorite 80’s music. This is like your first visit to a proper nightclub. Initially exciting, colorful and fun, but ultimately leaves you feeling nauseous and ready to puke.

Best Moment:

Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) tackles several hitmen while trying to get an asset called, Spyglass, across the East/West German border. The resulting action is fantastic and sadly the only valid reason to check this film out.